Why Mauro Icardi Was Excluded from the Argentina 2018 FIFA World Cup Squad

Mauro Icardi missed the opportunity to represent Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia due to several factors that combined to exclude him from the squad. This included intense competition for places, national team dynamics, form and performance concerns, and controversial personal issues. Let's delve deeper into why Icardi was not selected.

Competition for Places

Before the 2018 World Cup, Argentina boasted a formidable array of attacking talents. Established stars like Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and Sergio Agüero were regular fixtures in the national team. These players had a proven track record and were accustomed to the tactical requirements of the national team. This competitive environment made it exceedingly difficult for Icardi to gain a spot in the squad.

National Team Dynamics

Icardi's limited experience with the national team further hindered his chances. Prior to the World Cup, he was not a consistent presence in the squad. Instead, the coaching staff favored players who were better integrated into the team's setup. Coaches like Jorge Sampaoli preferred to select those who had already demonstrated their loyalty and reliability through consistent performances.

Form and Performance Concerns

Though Icardi was putting up impressive performances for Inter Milan in Serie A, there were doubts about his ability to replicate this form on the international stage. As a forward, his playing style and the tactical demands of the national team may not have aligned with the vision of head coach Jorge Sampaoli. Coaches often prioritize players who not only perform well but also contribute to the team's overall strategy and chemistry.

Controversies

Icardi's personal life, especially his past relationships and off-field controversies, may have affected the perception of him as a teammate. The media and fans often scrutinize the conduct and character of national team players. Icardi's actions, particularly regarding his relationships with women, garnered significant negative attention. These personal issues may have influenced the decision-makers' perceptions and contributed to his exclusion from the squad.

Additional Context and Personal Rivalries

The exclusions and involvement of influential figures, such as Messi and coach Jorge Sampaoli, added another layer of complexity to the selection process. Some believe that Messi had a significant role in Icardi’s exclusion, possibly using his influence to ensure his preferred players were included. This aligns with the narrative that Messi has always prioritized his circle of close friends and colleagues within the team.

During a press conference, when Enzo Francescoli, who was the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), was asked if Icardi should be called up for the Copa America that summer, he said, I don’t know if Icardi will be called up for the national team. I don’t speak about traitors. I’m here for the Match for Peace. Icardi has nothing to do with it. This further highlights the negative sentiment towards Icardi within the national team.

Furthermore, personal rivalries between Icardi and his teammates, such as Maxi Lopez, have added to the hostility. Lopez was with Icardi in Sampdoria, where they met Wanda Nara, Lopez's ex-wife. Icardi and Lopez reportedly had a falling out, which was fueled by personal drama. Many Argentinian media outlets have portrayed this as a betrayal of the bro-code, a code of conduct that values loyalty and mutual respect within a team.

These factors, combined with the intense competition and the personal battles within the football world, ultimately led to Mauro Icardi's exclusion from the Argentina squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Conclusion

While Mauro Icardi showed promise on the field, his opportunities were limited by a combination of external factors and internal disagreements. The exclusion from the World Cup squad in 2018 was multifaceted, involving competition, team dynamics, performance scrutiny, and personal controversies. Future selections need to consider these aspects to ensure the best team takes to the pitch.